Till Death Do We Part

Chapter Seven

"Meet me tomorrow night at Johnny's Steakhouse. 8pm. - Joseph."

The entire school day all I could think about was that note Joseph had passed on to me, and as hard as I tried to focus on the lesson plan I had in store for my young pupils, I couldn't seem to stray away from the mysterious and intriguing man I met in the park just the day before. I wanted the day to pass as quickly as I could so I could get ready for our date.

Luckily for me, however, it was a Thursday, and a day where students --and ultimately teachers-- could get out early. So as soon as the bell rang and the final students had ushered out of my classroom, I grabbed my stack of papers that needed to be graded and left, making sure my door was locked before stepping into the waning throng of students and other teachers trying to get out of work as early as myself. I waved a friendly hello to one of my fellow co-workers, Alice Rancer, who mouthed that we had to get together some time at her place for a drink, movies, and gossip. I nodded in agreement and shot her a smile before quickening my pace, hoping I could escape the traffic that came with leaving the school so early.

Of course, beings as I only lived kiddie corner to my school in the apartments across the street, that wasn't too difficult. It took less than ten minutes to cross the busy main street and head to the Southwest Gables parking lot, and another five to unlock the door, climb the stairs to the third floor, and walk down the hallway to my family's apartment. It was quiet when I entered, and a note on the refrigerator door told me my parents had gone to a hospital visit for my Dad.

"Enjoy your date," it read at the end. "We'll ask you all about it when we see you. Have fun! Love, Mom and Dad."

I smiled to myself and set the note on the table, then walked to my bedroom to choose an outfit for my date. After a thorough inspection of what was in my closet and dresser drawers, I decided on a modest, short-sleeved navy blue dress with ruffles at the hem that stopped just above the knees. There were two buttons on the front of the dress and the neckline had a simple collar that revealed my chest but wasn't too promiscuous, and as I set out my favorite pair of wedges I believed it was the perfect outfit for the night. I graded a few of my student's papers to keep occupied, and when it hit six I took a warm shower, brushed my teeth, and applied a generous amount of makeup, sticking with a natural look. I tied my hair up with an elegant bow that matched the color of my dress, and after I slipped on my shoes I did a once-over in the full-length mirror hanging behind my door.

"Not perfect, but close enough."

I smile to myself and gather up my purse, car keys, and cell and head toward the door, my stomach tangled in knots.

Despite the traffic off I-680 heading to Boys Town, I made it to the outlet mall of where Johnny's Steakhouse was with about five minutes to spare. I took a moment to collect my thoughts and then opened my car door, stepping into the hot, humid air. I made sure my car was locked before walking up to the entrance of Johnny's, and when the hostess asks for a name, I give Joseph's last name to her.

"Pierson. Joseph Pierson."

Her eyebrows shoot up beneath her bangs and she gives me a tight smile. "I see. Must be pretty amazing going on a date with one of the most well-known and successful lawyers in Omaha."

"Uh, yeah."

Without another word, she gathers up a menu for me and ushers me towards the back of the restaurant where Joseph sits, waiting for me in a booth tucked away from everyone else. His eyes give my body a once-over and I blush despite myself, and I quickly slide into the seat across from him.